Philippopolis (Thrace) Archaeological Site

Address: Plovdiv area, Plovdiv Province, Bulgaria

Philippopolis (Thrace) refers to the ancient city that occupies the site of modern Plovdiv in south-central Bulgaria, historically refounded by Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC. The city has continuous occupation layers from Thracian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and later periods.

Among the best-known surviving monuments are a largely intact Roman theatre from the early imperial period and visible remains of Roman urban infrastructure such as parts of the stadium and street grid. The historic hillside quarter preserves Ottoman and 19th-century houses and archaeological remains that are integrated into the modern city.

The city grew from a Thracian settlement into a major Hellenistic and Roman urban centre after its refoundation by Philip II in the 4th century BC, then remained an important regional capital through the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Over centuries the urban fabric expanded and older structures were repurposed or built over, leaving the layered archaeological record seen today.

Philippopolis stands on the Maritsa river plain in Plovdiv Province in south-central Bulgaria; the ancient core is the modern city of Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria’s largest cities and a regional transport and cultural centre.

• Roman theatre: The Roman theatre dates to the 1st century AD and has a seating capacity of several thousand; it is one of the most complete Roman theatres in the region.

What to See#

• Roman theatre and ancient core: A largely continuous urban complex whose best-preserved ancient remains include a Roman theatre dating to the early imperial period and visible ancient street and stadium fragments.
• Multi-period urban remains: Architectural layers from Thracian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods that survive within the modern city fabric of Plovdiv.

Plovdiv is a major Bulgarian city with rail and road connections to Sofia and Burgas; the ancient sites and the Roman theatre are in the city center and within easy walking distance of Plovdiv’s central train station.

• If searching for classical remains, consult local museums in Plovdiv for artifacts and the best historical context
• Visit in spring for the best walking weather through the ruins and ancient streets
• Pair visits to Philippopolis with the Roman theatre and the Old Town of Plovdiv to connect the layers of Thracian, Hellenistic and Roman occupation